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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. When you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up on your artery walls. But you can take steps to manage your cholesterol levels and lower your risk.

There are no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol. Getting your cholesterol checked with a simple blood test is the only way you can know if you are at risk for high cholesterol or already have high cholesterol. Knowing your cholesterol level will help your doctor suggest steps for you to take to prevent high cholesterol or to reduce your levels if they are high.

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Vital Signs: High Blood Pressure and CholesterolThe CDC Vital Signs program is a call to action each month concerning a single, important public health topic. CDC Vital Signs for February focuses on cardiovascular disease, specifically control of hypertension and cholesterol.

New Aortic Aneurysm Fact SheetAn aortic aneurysm (AA) is a ballooning or dilatation of the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and abdomen. AAs are classified according to their location; in the chest, it is called a thoracic AA, in the abdomen an abdominal AA (AAA), and across both areas a thoracoabdominal AA.

Cholesterol Fact SheetHaving high blood cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs, but when you have too much, it can build up on the walls of your arteries. This can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Most Americans Should Consume Less SodiumMost of the sodium we consume is in the form of salt. Too much sodium is bad for your health. It can increase your blood pressure and your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease and stroke are the first and third killers of men and women in the United States each year.